Probe establishes role of KSU activists

SHILLONG: The Magisterial probe into the vandalism in parts of city especially at Laitumkhrah on April 4 has established the role of KSU activists in the incident despite the initial denial of the students’ body.

The incidents of violence were reported during the KSU sponsored procession on the Khasi National Awakening Day.

While many shops and a vehicle were vandalized during the procession, a few persons were also injured.

Without divulging more details of the inquiry report, Goyal said, “The report established the links between the KSU volunteers and the act of vandalism by examining the chain of events.”

The report also suggested that certain areas should be declared as no meeting zones or areas which prohibit holding of rallies and processions by the NGOs.

The magistrate examined as many as 21 public witnesses, 22 KSU leaders and 10 police personnel as part of the inquiry.

The Deputy Commissioner informed that he would submit the report to the Government for necessary action.

Though the police have registered the case based on many complaints following the incident, no arrest has been made so far.

Official sources said that the report recommended the implementation of the Meghalaya Maintenance of Public Order Act which stipulates that those who organize rallies and procession will have to compensate for the damage to the properties.

As per the Act, arrest can also be made and after trial, minimum imprisonment for anyone found guilty will be three years upto a maximum of seven years.

As per Clause 6 A of the Act, “Whosoever whether an individual or an organization or any association of persons or group of persons either singly or collectively does/do anything by whatever means any act for causing abstention from normal activities by members of public, employees, disrupts normal life or does any act being subversive of law and order or destroy public and private properties, shall be guilty of offence under this Act and shall be punishable for imprisonment for three years and upwards and not more than seven years and shall also be liable to compensate the Government, the public and private citizen for the loss suffered by them.”

The report also recommended the implementation of the JM Lyngdoh Committee Report on elections in campuses which stipulates that the eligible age of students representing various student organizations in educational institutions should be between 18 to 28 years whereas in Meghalaya, this is not being followed.

According to the report, since the KSU has units in educational institutions, the age limit of members should be adhered to.